North Seattle Community College Cooperative Preschool
Course Syllabus for Parent Education Courses FAM 176-177-178 (3-5 Class)
INSTRUCTOR: Betty S. Williams, M.S.W. Co-op hours: I attend class weekly, alternating days
Phone: 206 934-4571
Email: Betty.Williams@seattlecolleges.edu
COURSE TITLE: Parent Education/ Child Study Laboratory: 36-60 months as of Aug. 31
COURSE LENGTH: 3 quarter linked series
CREDITS: 3 per quarter
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 3 credit class is for students with children, 36-60 months as of
August 31, enrolled in Parent Education/ Child Study Laboratory class. Students are required to
attend the laboratory class one day a week with their child, and one evening parent education
class/business meeting each month. Students also fulfill specific obligations of individual classes.
This course format includes lectures, discussions and laboratory experiences designed to explore
developmental information and practical applications as applies to 3-5 year old child development.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
. To better understand the typical development and temperament traits of the 3-5 year old child.
. To select and practice discipline techniques from a specific theoretical framework which
are consistent with a personal belief system.
. To identify concerns about parenting preschoolers and to evaluate available options.
. To establish, maintain, and supervise a safe, healthy, and creative environment, which stimulates
3-5 year old child development both at home and school.
. To recognize one’s current stage in parenting and the resulting implications for parenting a
preschooler.
. To provide small group activities for preschool children.
. To demonstrate understanding of cultural perspectives, societal expectations, and family values.
. To respond appropriately to individual and cultural differences in approaches to parenting and
parenting techniques.
. To identify and implement strategies for establishing support networks for the parent, child, and
family.
TOPICAL OUTLINE AND OR MAJOR DIVISIONS: These courses have an emergent curriculum,
meaning that the instructor will plan the specific scheduling of topics based on the assessed needs of
and feedback from the group. Subjects may include: child development, temperament, behavior
management and guidance, family challenges, family resources, cultural influences on parenting,
self-esteem, sibling relationships, adult leadership/ democratic practice/ group development,
parenting roles, health, and safety.
RECOMMENDED TEXT(S) AND OR MATERIALS: Instructor will provide appropriate handouts
and book referrals for topics covered.
ASSIGNMENTS: Students are expected to demonstrate skills they are learning during the lab
sessions and to participate in discussions at evening parent education classes.
EVALUATION/CREDITS: Grades are issued quarterly on a pass/fail grading system. Students
earn 3 credits each quarter for successful completion of the course. Students attend weekly
laboratory class, the monthly evening class, and demonstrate mastery of course learning objectives.
Please talk with me to determine appropriate make-up assignments for missed classes. Students
missing more than one of the evening classes during the academic year must make up the absence
in order to receive credit for the class.
SCHEDULES CHANGES: In the event of inclement weather and/or other extreme circumstances
this course will follow the Seattle Public School District schedule. Make up classes are arranged
mutually by instructor and class members.